To ask the hon. Member for Gosport, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission what criteria the Electoral Commission used to choose its independent observer to review the issues with the Scottish Parliamentary and local elections in 2007. (142191)

The Electoral Commission informs me that it sought to appoint a non-partisan person independent of the Commission from outside the United Kingdom with extensive electoral administration experience; good knowledge of electoral processes and practices; and some familiarity with the type of legal framework within which the United Kingdom electoral system operates.

To ask the hon. Member for Gosport, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission what the terms of reference are of the review into the Scottish 2007 elections; and what discretion the review team has to extend the terms. (142203)

The Commission informs me that it placed a paper in the Library setting out the full terms of reference and scope of the review on 21 May, and that the review team may examine any aspect of the elections that it thinks may be relevant. I also refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Lanark and Hamilton, East (Mr. Hood) on 23 May 2007, Official Report, column 1307W.

To ask the hon. Member for Gosport, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission whether the independent review into the Scottish 2007 elections is being administered on the Electoral Commission’s premises. (142211)

The Electoral Commission informs me that it has secured separate office accommodation for the review team in Edinburgh, from which it is expected to carry out the bulk of its work.